1968 Ford Escort Mk1 Twin-Cam - ex-Works

The late 1960s saw the rise of purpose-built rally machines and few cars were more iconic than the Ford Escort Twin-Cam. Developed at Ford’s legendary Boreham facility, these works cars helped to define a generation of international rallying, combining lightweight handling with robust mechanicals and a pedigree forged through competition on the world’s toughest stages.

The example offered here, registered AHK 935F, is a genuine Works-prepared car, built at Boreham to full 'Group 2' specification. Its competitive debut came at the 1968 1000 Lakes Rally in Finland, where it was entered for the Anderson/Davenport pairing. Unfortunately, the car retired due to a gearbox failure, but travel documentation in the accompanying file shows the Escort’s continued involvement in Ford’s international campaign. Notably, it was shipped to Greece in May 1969 under the name of Jim Porter, Roger Clark’s co-driver, likely used for reconnaissance ahead of the Acropolis Rally.

In February 1970, the Escort was sold to Service Garage of Barnsley and campaigned by well known privateer, Eric Jackson. Later that year, it passed to Will Crawford, who entered the 1970 RAC Rally as well as the Scottish Rally Championship, achieving a fifth overall finish. He also placed sixth in the Border Rally. In the late 1970s, the car was acquired by the Bartlett brothers, who continued its competitive career in the Southern Counties rally scene.

In 1990, the Escort was bought by William Savage of Aldershot, who commissioned a complete restoration to period specification under the direction of Ian Donaldson of Oakfields. The extensive file includes numerous invoices from marque specialist Bill Gwynne and renowned engine builder John Wilcox. At this time, the car was also issued with FIA papers, confirming its eligibility at that time for historic competition.

The Escort changed hands in 1996, entering the collection of Hans-Wilhelm Dercks before being sold to Stephen Farquhar. The current owner acquired the car from Farquhar in 2008 and has since used it sparingly. Highlights include participation in the Eifel Rallye Festival in 2019, driven by none other than Stig Blomqvist, as well as opening the Roger Albert Clark Rally a decade ago.

Today, the car is presented in fully rally-ready condition, described as 'on the button' and retaining its original 1968 1000 Lakes Rally livery. With period-correct specification throughout, original competition heritage and eligibility for major historic rally events, this is a rare opportunity to acquire one of Ford’s most important rally cars from the golden era of international motorsport.